The 40th anniversary of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s internationally renowned Department of Second Language Studies was held at the Mānoa Campus Center Ballroom on Sept. 19, 2009. About 150 people attended, MA candidates Moonyoung Park and Sakol Suethanapornkul report.

Department Chair J. D. Brown offered a warm welcome, and Professor Richard Day presented the 40-year journey of the department.

The highlight was a presentation of the first SLS Distinguished Alumni Award to Susan Proctor (MA ’87) and Jonathan Hull (MA ’86), pictured, who created the ʻOihana Maikaʻi Fund for Professional Development. Following the award presentation, both donors met the students who participated in a teaching practicum at Ubon-Rajathanee University in Thailand thanks to the fund’s support.